Maldivian Airline Set to Expand with Widebody Aircraft Operations by Late 3Q24

In a significant development for the aviation sector in the Maldives, the national carrier, Maldivian, based in Malé, is poised to commence operations with its first widebody aircraft starting in September 2024. This strategic move was announced by Mohamed Ameen, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, during an interview with PSM News.

While the specifics of the aircraft type or the intended routes remain undisclosed, Minister Ameen emphasized that Maldivian has already established a dedicated team. This team is tasked with exploring long-haul expansion opportunities and identifying potential destinations, marking a new chapter in the airline’s growth.

In preparation for this expansion, Maldivian has initiated two separate Requests for Proposals (RFPs). These RFPs are focused on the dry lease of a single Boeing 787-8 and a single A330-200. Although the registration period for bids in both tenders has concluded, the outcomes remain under wraps, as Maldivian has not yet disclosed any details nor responded to inquiries for updates from aviation news sources like ch-aviation.

Currently, Maldivian’s fleet primarily caters to domestic operations. Its fleet composition includes one ATR42-600 (with two more on order), two ATR72-600s, eleven DHC-6-300s, one DHC-8-200, one DHC-8-Q200, and seven DHC-8-Q300s. Additionally, the airline operates a single A320-200, which services international routes from Malé to various destinations such as Bangalore International, Dhaka, Kochi International, and Thiruvananthapuram in India, as per the ch-aviation schedules module.

This move to incorporate widebody aircraft into its fleet signals Maldivian’s ambition to extend its reach beyond regional boundaries, potentially transforming the airline into a significant player in the international aviation market. The introduction of long-haul flights would not only diversify its route network but also enhance the connectivity of the Maldives with the rest of the world, a critical factor for an island nation heavily reliant on tourism and international travel.